altarnoun [ C ]
uk/ˈɔːl.tər//ˈɒl.tər/us/ˈɑːl.tɚ/a type of table used in ceremonies in a Christian church or in other religious buildings
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Parts of religious buildings
- apse
- belfry
- chancel
- chaplaincy
- cloister
- crypt
- font
- gargoyle
- lychgate
- minaret
- nave
- rood screen
- rose window
- sacristy
- sanctuary
- sanctum
- spire
- transept
- vault
- vestry
See more results »
Examples from literature
- Maybe the strangest but most typical things on the altar are the sugar skulls.
- As Wallace entered the chapel and advanced towards the altar, he saw a woman kneeling in prayer.
- In the first and second story, to which access is gained by more than usually narrow stairs, are some small altars with carved idols.
- Its three altars and other sacred appurtenances have crumbled and passed away years ago.
- The church has a fine oak screen in the south chancel and a stone altar with five crosses in the north aisle.
- Then a monk took the king and the young knight behind the altar, and showed them where the shield hung.
- To honour them they erected altars and performed their vows.